New research out of Denmark has affirmed the weight-loss potential of the dietary supplement sodium alginate, a seaweed-based fiber compound that has previously been shown to aid in the burning of excess fat. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports found that, when taken daily before meals, sodium alginate may be effective at helping some overweight people shed the extra pounds and achieve their weight-loss goals.

The disease-fighting qualities of seaweed compounds are being investigated by an international network of scientists including experts from the University, AlgiPharma AS and Swansea University, with trials for new inhalation therapies for cystic fibrosis sufferers already underway.

A new study has shown that sea cucumber extract kills up to 95 percent of breast cancer cells, 90 percent of melanoma cells, 95 percent of liver cancer cells and 88 percent of lung cancer cells in vitro. The extract also stimulates the immune system against cancer and impedes key processes required for metastasis. While the science behind this is very new to Western medicine, the sea cucumber has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.

Perhaps you are looking for something new to eat. One of the most amazing things about food is that they are found in all shapes and sizes. And oftentimes, it’s all about trying to discover more of them. One of the best foods you can try out today is seaweed. A staple food in places such as Japan, seaweed has different properties that make it a great eat.

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that sea lettuce, a specific type of seaweed, may help prevent cancer, particularly prostate cancer. According to author Hendrik Luesch Ph.D., they now have evidence that the food has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties that boost the body’s antioxidant defense system. These effects could possibly have the potential to prevent an array of illnesses, including cancer.

Seaweed has long been used to increase overall health; however, people often overlook the wonderful sexual health benefits it offers. In both men and women, seaweed has been linked to an increase in libido and energy levels. All four classes of seaweeds, green, blue green, red and brown, have shown these aphrodisiac properties due to the mineral manganese that they contain.

Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is a type of bright-green edible algae that is found along the coasts of the world’s oceans. An important nutrient source for sea life, it is also edible for humans as well. Seaweeds, including sea lettuce, are commonly consumed in Asian countries where the risk of many types of cancer is low.

Sea cucumber soft and squishy and looks very much like the cucumbers we love that are grown on land. These creatures, however, grow in the sea naturally. They are, in fact, animals; invertebrates, at that. Shocking! Imagine eating an animal shaped like a cucumber. Now imagine that animal in over a thousand different shapes and sizes and types and tastes. It’s enough to make your eyes grow wide in surprise and wonder. Adding to the shock factor is the fact that these animals can help fight cancer, not to mention arthritis and other diseases.